A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara follows the lives of four college friends in New York City, primarily focusing on Jude St. Francis, a lawyer grappling with a traumatic childhood. As Jude's career prospers, his past continually haunts him, revealing cycles of abuse and self-harm. The narrative explores themes of friendship, suffering, and the impact of past trauma on present life. Topics include sexual abuse and self-harm.

Yanagihara's A Little Life is a deeply emotional novel that delves into themes of trauma, friendship, and survival. Readers praised its compelling narrative and complex characters, highlighting its raw emotional depth. However, some found its relentless depiction of suffering overwhelming and its length daunting. Overall, it's a powerful but polarizing read.

A reader who would enjoy A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara typically appreciates intense, character-driven narratives and emotional complexity, akin to fans of Donna Tartt's The Goldfinch and Jeffrey Eugenides' The Marriage Plot. This reader seeks deep explorations of friendship, trauma, and resilience.

Dark / Emotional / Melancholic / Challenging / Heartwarming

**Jude St. Francis**  
Jude is the central character of *A Little Life*. He is a successful lawyer with a deeply traumatic past marked by childhood abuse. Despite his achievements and the support of friends, he struggles with low self-worth and never recovers from his trauma.

**Willem Ragnarsson**  
Willem is Jude's best friend and later romantic partner. A successful actor with his own family tragedies, Willem provides unwavering support for Jude, despite challenges in managing Jude's hidden trauma and self-harm.

**JB (Jean-Baptiste) Marion**  
JB is one of Jude’s original friends, a confident and talented painter. He initially has a strained relationship with Jude due to his self-absorption but eventually grows into a supportive friend.

**Malcolm Irvine**  
Malcolm is another of Jude’s college friends, an architect from an affluent background. He remains a steady presence in Jude’s life, offering practical support through his architectural designs.

**Harold Stein**  
Harold is Jude’s law professor and adopts him as an adult. A mentor figure, Harold provides Jude with paternal love and support, trying to help Jude overcome his traumatic past.

**Andy Contractor**  
Andy is Jude’s doctor and friend, aware of Jude's physical and psychological issues. He provides medical support and struggles with how best to address Jude's self-harm.

**Brother Luke (Edgar Wilmot)**  
Brother Luke is an abusive figure from Jude's past, a former monk who exploits and mistreats him. His actions leave a lasting impact on Jude's ability to trust others.

- A Little Life was a finalist for both the 2015 Booker Prize and the National Book Award, bringing significant international attention to Hanya Yanagihara's work.
- The book has been noted for its length and depth, with Yanagihara having reportedly written it in just 18 months, showcasing her intensive dedication to the project.
- The cover of A Little Life is a striking photograph by Peter Hujar, capturing a raw emotional expression that aligns with the novel's intense themes.

Hanya Yanagihara

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

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Overview

Get ready to explore A Little Life and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

A Little Life Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “Lispenard Street”

Part 1, Chapter 1

A Little Life Part 1, Chapter 1 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 2-3

A Little Life Part 1, Chapters 2-3 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “The Postman”

Part 2, Chapter 1

A Little Life Part 2, Chapter 1 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 2-3

A Little Life Part 2, Chapters 2-3 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “Vanities”

Part 3, Chapters 1-2

A Little Life Part 3, Chapters 1-2 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapter 3

A Little Life Part 3, Chapter 3 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: “The Axiom of Equality”

Part 4, Chapters 1-2

A Little Life Part 4, Chapters 1-2 Summary & Analysis

Part 4, Chapter 3

A Little Life Part 4, Chapter 3 Summary & Analysis

Part 5: “The Happy Years”

Part 5, Chapter 1

A Little Life Part 5, Chapter 1 Summary & Analysis

Part 5, Chapters 2-3

A Little Life Part 5, Chapters 2-3 Summary & Analysis

Part 6: “Dear Comrade”

Part 6, Chapters 1-2

A Little Life Part 6, Chapters 1-2 Summary & Analysis

Part 6, Chapter 3

A Little Life Part 6, Chapter 3 Summary & Analysis

Part 7: “Lispenard Street”

Part 7 A Little Life Part 7 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

A Little Life Character Analysis

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Themes

A Little Life Themes

Symbols & Motifs

A Little Life Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

A Little Life Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

A Little Life Essay Topics

Book Club Questions

A Little Life Book Club Questions

A Little Life

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read A Little Life?

Reading Age

Book Details